James Preston Seals

James Preston Seals, known fondly by friends and family as Preston, lived a faith-filled life marked by devotion. Born on August 2, 1937, in Rockcastle County, Preston was 86, and passed peacefully on July 17, 2024, in Berea, Kentucky.

Preston's early years in Kentucky laid a strong foundation for a life characterized by hard work, community involvement, and steadfast faith. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School, Class of 1957 and proud graduate of Xavier University, Class of 1976. He proudly retired from a fulfilling career at IBM, where he formed lasting friendships and associations. He proudly served with the Kentucky National Guard for 9 years.

A pillar of his community, Preston applied his deep Christian beliefs in his service as a Deacon at Peytontown Baptist Church. He exemplified kindness and charity, always embodying the values he had been taught.

Though preceded in death by his cherished parents, Willie and Ida Chasteen Seals, his son-in-law Bobby Mosier, and siblings Onita Rhodus, Monroe, Earnest, Bluford, and Oscar Seals, Preston's legacy continues through his beloved wife of 66 years, Gaye Seals, and their daughters, Patti Seals Colyer and Cathy Seals Mosier.

He is survived by his sisters, Marie Todd, Mayme (Don) Brumfield, and Lorraine Lake, his four grandchildren, Emily Harrison, Miranda (Drew) Bristow, Andrew (Autumn) Colyer, and Zachary (Rebecca) Mosier, and his four great-grandchildren, Grayson Bristow, Oakley Bristow, Hudson Colyer, and Levi Mosier, who will continue to be inspired by Preston's remarkable example.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Lakes Funeral Home. Pastor Johnathan Tussey officiated. Burial followed in Madison County Memorial Gardens with military honors. Pallbearers were Chris Cooper, Billy Glenn Turpin, Mitchell Smith, Brad Anglin, Rodney Short, and Bobby Short.